The Doernbecher Operating Room at OHSU is a high-acuity surgical environment dedicated to pediatric patients ranging from neonates to young adults. The unit consists of 10 operating rooms, including a Hybrid OR for advanced image-guided interventions and an intraoperative MRI (iMRI) suite that supports complex neurosurgical procedures and other specialized cases.

Surgical services span a wide range of pediatric specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, urology, ENT, plastic surgery, gynecology, trauma, and transplant. Patients present with varying levels of acuity, from routine outpatient procedures to emergent, life-threatening conditions.

In some cases, patients up to 24 years of age may be treated with anesthesia and provider approval. The multidisciplinary team includes Operating Room Registered Nurses, Cardiac Cath Registered Nurses, Certified Surgical Technologists, Surgeons, Anesthesiologists and Registered Radiology Technologists, Interventional Cardiologist, Core Techs and support staff. Teams collaborate closely to ensure safe, efficient, and developmentally appropriate surgical care for every patient.

The Hybrid OR, one of the specialty rooms within the unit, is used for cardiac catheterization procedures and other complex interventions that benefit from integrated surgical and imaging capabilities. The iMRI OR supports real-time intraoperative imaging, particularly for neurosurgical procedures, improving precision and outcomes. 

The department operates Monday through Friday for scheduled, urgent, and emergent procedures. The unit is staffed 24/7. Additionally, there are 3 dedicated on-call teams to provide after-hours surgical coverage seven days a week, ensuring access to critical surgical interventions for pediatric patients across the region.
As part of a leading academic medical center, Doernbecher’s Operating Room supports ongoing education, clinical research, and quality improvement initiatives. The team is committed to fostering a learning environment while delivering high-quality, family-centered care.
Department Specific Working Conditions:
• Requires ability to push patients in stretchers around corners and through hallways throughout the shift.
• Requires the ability to work in a dark or dimly lit procedure room for extended periods.
• Requires weekend, holiday, and after-hours call; must be able to report to work within 45 minutes of being called.
• Must be able to stand for up to 4 continuous hours and tolerate walking or moving throughout the entire shift.
• Must be able to wear up to 20 pounds of lead protective equipment for procedures lasting up to 4 hours.
• Must be able to assist with moving and turning sedated patients using safe patient handling equipment.

• Must be able to apply and maintain manual pressure to femoral arterial and venous access sites as needed.
• May be required to float to other perioperative/procedural areas within OHSU based on department needs.
• Requires standing and walking on hard surfaces (concrete, vinyl, carpet) up to 12 hours per day, intermittently.
• Requires sitting on a chair or stool, intermittently, for up to 12 hours per day.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds and push/pull up to 400 pounds
intermittently during the shift.
• Requires bending, reaching, twisting, and overhead movement throughout the day.
• Must be able to safely use all patient care equipment in the Hybrid OR setting.
• Requires ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, tasks, and urgent clinical needs in a dynamic environment.
• May be exposed to excessive auditory and visual stimuli, such as alarms, monitors, and low-light settings.
• May be exposed to body fluids, tissues, and infectious materials.
• Requires periods of computer use for documentation and coordination of care.
• Must practice within the scope of Oregon nursing law and in alignment with AORN standards and recommended practices.
• Expected to integrate and demonstrate OHSU Core Competencies in all aspects of clinical practice: Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, and Teamwork.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Pediatric operating room, Pediatric critical care, Pediatric PACU, Pediatric emergency department, or pediatric procedural area setting.
• PALS certification required within 1 month of hire.
• Experience managing patients during sedation procedures within the past year.
• Proficient IV insertion and management skills.
• BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
• ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
• Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
• Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
• BLS at time of hire and must be issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)
• BLS must not expire during orientation
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills, including active listening, respectful engagement with diverse patient populations, and effective conflict resolution.
• Provides both direct and indirect professional nursing care.
• Uses the nursing process effectively, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Maintains composure and sound clinical judgment in high-stress and emergent situations.
• Practices in accordance with Oregon nursing law and adheres to standards and recommended practices.
• Serves as a role model in supporting and promoting OHSU’s vision and mission
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

• Knowledge/experience with radiation safety, fluoroscopy
• Knowledge/experience related to anesthesia recovery.
• Knowledge/experience related to TEE/Cardioversion procedures.
• Prior experience in pediatric pre and post cardiac cath care
• Pediatric cardiac OR experience

Length of Orientation – Experienced Nurse

• External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
• Either Transition to Practice (TTP) Program Specialty Fellowship/Fellowship Learning Pathway or Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area. An employment service agreement may apply.

This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care plans. Covered at 100% of the cost for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
• Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid – included in vacation accruals)
• Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
• Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources